Getting engaged is such an exciting time! But let's be honest, the cost of engagement rings can be a real stressor. My partner and I knew we wanted to get married, but we also knew that spending a fortune on a ring just wasn't in the cards for us. We agreed on a smaller budget, and the hunt began. It felt a little daunting at first, but I learned so much along the way, and I'm excited to share my experience and the tips I picked up!
Initially, I was thinking about options ranging from gold-plated sterling silver to 18k solid gold. I loved the look of some of the white gold rings, but I also knew that lower-quality metals can sometimes cause skin irritation or tarnish easily. This led me down a rabbit hole of research, trying to figure out what was the best balance of beauty, durability, and affordability.
One of the best pieces of advice I received was to check out vintage shops and pawn shops. I hadn't really considered this at first, but it turned out to be a goldmine! I actually found a beautiful Art Deco ring with a real diamond and gold setting for well under what I expected to pay. It's so unique, and I love that it has a history. The fact that it didn't "turn green" like some cheaper metals was a huge bonus! It's definitely worth checking your local vintage stores. You never know what treasures you might uncover.
Speaking of tarnish, I learned a great tip from a jeweler. She suggested using an anti-tarnish cleaning kit (you can find them at most drugstores) to remove any existing tarnish. And here's the kicker: she recommended coating the ring in clear nail polish to prevent future tarnish! I tried this on an older silver necklace I had, and it worked like a charm. Just remember to reapply the nail polish every few months.
Another avenue I explored was moissanite. I had never heard of it before, but apparently, it's a gemstone that looks very similar to diamonds but is significantly cheaper. I checked out online communities dedicated to moissanite, and I was amazed by the beautiful custom-made rings people were getting for a fraction of the cost of a diamond ring. It's definitely something to consider if you love the sparkle of a diamond but want to save money.
I also spent some time browsing eBay. You can actually find some great deals on engagement rings there. The key is to be specific with your search terms and set a price range. For example, I searched for "white gold antique rings under $500" and found several promising options. Of course, it's important to carefully review the seller's feedback and read the product description thoroughly before making a purchase. Here’s an example I found: white gold antique rings for under $500. Always remember to do your research!
While searching for rings, I also realized that jewelry doesn't have to be limited to rings. I came across some beautiful necklaces that could be a lovely alternative or addition to an engagement ring. I especially liked this Sexy Adjustable Snake Bone Chain Necklace for Women Wedding Bride Simple Smooth Link Pendant Aesthetic Neck Jewelry 2023 New from SumsFashion Accessories. It's so elegant and versatile, perfect for a wedding or everyday wear.
I think the beauty of this necklace is how simple yet elegant it is. I can see my partner wearing it to our wedding! It also made me think that maybe a necklace could be a great starting point for building a jewelry collection. The adjustable design means it can be worn with a variety of outfits, too. For those looking for more options, SumsFashion Accessories has a wide selection.
Here's a summary of the tips I learned during my search: